Andrea Cambiaso sends Pep Guardiola transfer message as Manchester City hunt Kyle Walker replacement | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview this week, Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso has reflected on widespread reports of interest from Manchester City in the January market.

The 25-year-old is reportedly Pep Guardiola’s priority signing at full-back ahead of the summer transfer window, with Kyle Walker expected to move on permanently at the end of his loan spell at AC Milan.

City announced the signings of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez in January to bolster their ranks and improve their chances of a top-four Premier League finish and a successful FA Cup run this season.

Come the summer, many will be parted with among the current crop of ageing players in Pep Guardiola’s squad after what has been a below-par season for the Blues, albeit owing to the incredible standards they have set for themselves under the Catalan boss.

Jack Grealish, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and Matheus Nunes are all amongst those who could be shown the exit door from the Etihad Stadium at the end of the ongoing campaign.

Kevin De Bruyne could choose to sign a 12-month extension on reduced wages when his current deal runs out in the summer, with Ilkay Gundogan close to triggering a one-year, appearanced-based extension as part of his contract.

Manchester City are expected to add firepower to their full-back ranks in the summer and Cambiaso will need some convincing after admitting that his head was not turned when he was linked with the four-in-a-row Premier League champions at the turn of the New Year.

“I’m better now, my ankle has been giving me problems since December 7th and I underestimated it a bit,” the Italy international said in an interview after Juventus’ win over Hellas Verona in the Serie A on Tuesday.

He continued, “Physically, I’m fine now. In January, I was a bit unlucky – while I was out, there were those transfer rumours.”

Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli has also revealed that Andrea Cambiaso was subject to transfer interest in January, speaking in an interview with DAZN, as relayed by Tuttosport.

“There was interest from an important English club which then didn’t materialise,” Giuntoli admitted. “Nothing strange. We have a lot of young guys who are tempting but we hold on to them.

“Juventus always have the duty and desire to do its best in all competitions.”

Manchester City are widely expected to test Juventus’ resolve and go back in the transfer market for Andrea Cambiaso when they plan a major squad rebuild in the summer under the direction of incoming sporting director Hugo Viana.